The Future of The Papacy

In the event of John Paul's death or resignation, a new Pope will be chosen by secret ballot of the cardinals under the age of 80, who may vote for anyone among their members. One of the most intriguing questions is which nationality the next pope will be. The Polish-born John Paul was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, since Hadrian VI (1522-3), and Vatican observers suggest the next pope may be non-Italian as well. John Paul has worked to elevate more cardinals from the developing world, increasing the possibility that one of them may eventually be pope. The highest proportion of votes, however, still remains with Europe with 48.9 percent of the electoral seats. Italy alone has the largest bloc of 23 voting-age cardinals.

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Related Links:• Pope Was Minutes from Death - Ireland On-Line• Pope's Blessing Hard To Make Out - CBS News• Pope to Stay in Hospital; Aide Talks of Retirement - Reuters• Global Religion - Koinonia House• Strategic Trends Update 2004: Part 4 - Koinonia House• The Kingdom of Blood - Koinonia House

United Nations of Religions?

Two years ago Pope John Paul II visited Kazakhstan in hopes of bringing the world's religions closer together. More recently, religious leaders from 18 different faith groups met in Astana, Kazakhstan to continue that vision with the creation of what some are hoping will become the United Nations of Religions.

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Related Links:• Congress Of World Religions To Be Held In Kazakhstan - Yahoo News• Congress of World and Traditional-National Religions - • Kazakhstan: Astana Convenes Religious Dialogue Congress - • A Call for 'United Nations of Religions' - WorldNetDaily

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In Perspective: What's the Difference Between Shi'ah and Sunni?

A veteran in Muslim evangelism who asked not to be named told CT that Shi'ites have been more likely to accept Christianity. "Historically in the heartland of Islam—the Middle East and North Africa—Iran has been by far the most responsive country to the gospel," the source said. "Most people believe that is because of the Shi'ite belief system."

Woodberry says there are interesting parallels between Shi'ah and Christianity. "What we have been seeing this month take place in Iraq is a commemoration in Karbala to recognize the death of Muhammad's grandson Hussein," Woodberry says. "His death to Shi'ites has a similar function to the way Christians look at Jesus."

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'Catholicism and Vatican' research

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